Peppermint for a sore throat?… Why it's absolutely forbidden.

When a sore or scratchy throat from laryngitis occurs, many people reach for peppermint candies to soothe their throats. However, you should be careful because peppermint can have a negative impact on your throat health rather than alleviating laryngitis symptoms. .

 

If you have a sore throat due to reflux laryngitis, eating peppermint can worsen your symptoms by causing stomach acid to reflux. Reflux laryngitis is a condition in which excessive stomach acid secretion or a malfunctioning lower esophageal sphincter causes stomach acid to rise up to the larynx, causing inflammation.

 

Peppermint stimulates the cells that produce stomach acid, stimulating its secretion. It also relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, which prevents acid reflux, reducing its ability to prevent acid reflux. Eating peppermint candies naturally increases the amount of stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus and larynx. If you have laryngopharyngeal reflux disease, which is caused by excessive stomach acid, eating peppermint candies, which stimulate acid secretion, is like adding fuel to the fire.

 

It's difficult to say whether it's effective for chronic or acute laryngitis. Eating peppermint candy stimulates saliva production, temporarily moistening the throat and making the condition seem better. However, as the menthol in peppermint evaporates, it draws heat away from the surrounding area, along with the moisture in the larynx and trachea. If the mucous membranes are dehydrated, symptoms like coughing, a foreign body sensation, and sore throat worsen, and inflammation persists.

 

The best way to maintain a healthy throat is to drink plenty of water. Water acts as a kind of lubricant for the throat. Keeping the throat mucosa moist helps inflammation heal more quickly and reduces the strain on the throat when vocalizing. It's recommended to drink lukewarm water, similar to body temperature, as it doesn't irritate throat inflammation. Using a humidifier to keep your surroundings from drying out is also a good idea. If you're tired of drinking water, try tea infused with bellflower root or ginger. Bellflower root is rich in saponins, which promote the secretion of bronchial mucus, while ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve inflammation.

 

On the other hand, caffeine-containing drinks like coffee and green tea should be avoided, as they can irritate the stomach lining and cause reflux. Caffeine, which dehydrates the body, can also suppress mucus production in the bronchial tubes. Spicy and salty foods, which irritate the stomach and esophagus, should also be avoided, and a diet rich in soft, easy-to-swallow foods is recommended. Alcohol and cigarettes are also not recommended, and lying down immediately after a meal is also a good idea. It's best to not eat or drink anything for three hours before bedtime and to empty your stomach.

 

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I thought peppermint would be good for my throat

I guess it doesn't help at all.

 

Avoid when you have a sore throat